Christmas Day is over. The gifts are all unwrapped. The house is clean after having a joyous family celebration. Now it’s time to put my feet up and relax in my fuzzy flip flops (flip flops? Of course! I live in Southern California!). AAHHHH! The end of the year is always a good time to reflect and consider what I discovered about my life in 2013. And although there have been many lessons, I’m sharing three essential ones here: · Age is just a number and I reached a big one this year. And, even at this age I’m still learning every day about the world, about my place in the world, and about how I can contribute my best self. I am in deep gratitude for this lifelong lesson and journey! Practicing gratitude everyday has become a new habit for me. When I wake up and before I hop out of bed, I reflect on what is going well and all the abundance in my life. Then I remind myself to be open to all that will happen next, with faith that it’s going to serve my highest purpose. · Reaching for harmony and balance in my life is constant, and never static. Kind of like the waves washing upon the shore, or the ebb and flow of the tides. So I’m committed to becoming more flexible and to stop thinking I can control the outcome. Flexibility doesn’t mean that I no longer focus on my goal, only that I’m open to the twists and turns along the way. It means letting go of any assumptions and what if’s, and then doing my best. And knowing that my best changes each day and to listen to my body so that I don’t overdo! Easier said than done, and a new practice for me. · I am striving to no longer strive to prove my worthiness. I didn’t even know that’s what I was doing until it was pointed out to me! This is a big lesson for me because I tend to over-do and over-give in order to over-please. For much of my life I was addicted to external validation and didn’t know how to claim my own value. So I am consciously focusing on productive doing, the best use of my time. Giving myself kudos for a job well done, instead of waiting to hear it from others. Inviting more creativity into my life and allowing it to flow without worrying if my work will be accepted by others. Letting go of negative self judgment, perfectionism, and staying in the present moment. Most of all, I’m giving myself permission to wear my fuzzy slippers, put my feet up, and just BE. As Joseph Campbell wisely said, “The privilege of the lifetime is being who you are.” You are worthy and have unique gifts and talents to contribute to the world. And only you can decide when to begin discovering. If you want some help, contact us. You don’t have to do it alone! www.savvywomenbydesign/discover Here’s to an abundant 2014 and more discoveries along the way!